Disadvantages of Wooden Gates
Are you planning to get a new gate for your house? Do you have your heart set on a wooden gate? It is extremely crucial that you pick the right material for the gate because it is an investment. Gates are something you don’t change very often, which is why you should thoroughly evaluate all the choices available in the market.
Gates are an indispensable element of your outdoors. Not only they enhance the security but also provide privacy. Wooden gates are elegant, no doubt about it. They add a rustic feel to your outdoors. Given the variety of wood, you get a wide range to choose from; cypress, redwood, pine, cedar, pressure-treated wood, you name it. However, wooden gates might not be your best bet. Let’s take a look at the cons of having a wooden gate.
The Bulkiness
The weight of the wooden gate varies from one material to another from which it is crafted. Wooden gates are undeniably bulkier than their vinyl counterparts.You could opt for pine wood, which is very light. If you are looking for something heavy-duty, pressure-treated wood will serve you well. It depends on your needs and your budget.
The Initial Outlay vs. the Cost of Preservation
Pressure treated wood gates are good to go for an initial couple of years. As the name suggests, the wood is treated and strengthened to withstand the effects of the ever-changing weather. But thereafter, it needs to be cared for every couple of years to protect it against the hot run, chilly winters. Anything apart from the treated wood needs immense care and maintenance right from the moment you install the gate.
The initial cost has two elements; the purchase price of the wooden gate and the cost for installation services. For now, wooden gates might seem like a cost-effective option. However, to get the real picture of the outlay, you must take into account the cost of maintenance and the lifespan of the wooden gates. They are definitely less expensive that the vinyl gates. But you would be spending a considerable amount of money to cover the cost of paint, water-sealant, applicators, and the labor charges. Even if you choose to do it yourself, you would be spending a couple of weekends working on the gate once every 2-3 years for the next decade.
Are Wooden Gates worth it?
Wood is an organic material, which makes it highly vulnerable to termite infestation and rotting. Irrespective of how well you maintain your gate, the wood will begin to distort at the hinges. Wood also absorbs moisture, causing it to decompose. When it dries up, it is susceptible to dry rot. Not to mention the fading part. That’s the worst!
Don’t Forget the Fragility
Physically, wood is not as resistant as the synthetic materials like vinyl. Wood gates cannot put up with the detrimental effects of extreme weather conditions beyond a certain period. They crack and distort as the time goes by. The chances of the wooden gate becoming non-functional or falling apart are fairly high. If your wooden gate is a mechanical one, the tear near the hinges can render the automation disengaged, causing people to get stuck inside or outside the house. Such incidents rarely occur in the case of vinyl gates.
These are the main disadvantages of installing wooden gates. You could avoid them all by opting for vinyl gates. Vinyl gates are a bit expensive but the minimal maintenance requirements keep the overall cost within your means.